We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tom Callahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tom below.

Tom, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I was going to pursue the arts and entertainment since my earliest memories. I have always had 2 loves since I was 6 or 7 years old……Sports and the Arts. Music was always in my home as relatives on both sides of the family played professionally, and I was always involved in playing sports which led me into the martial arts

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the music industry by way of being a touring musician. In 1987 I transitioned into the record business which has turned into the MUSIC business where I remain today. I have been involved with a lot of companies throughout these years but my current company “Indie Advance”, is an artist development and distribution company focused on building the careers of artists and bands involved with the massive indie music scene. I use my years of experience to create strategies and build creative teams. Often times the indie artist does not know where or how to start campaigns nor how to prioritize. This is our expertise. In the martial arts world, I am Vice chairman of “All Americas” for the full contact Kyokushin-Kan Karate international organization based in Japan. In this capacity I help with any issues our many dojos may be having, help coordinate tournaments and seminars as well as help keep them up to date on curriculum. It is a very gratifying part of my life, and one of which I have been dedicating mor and more of my time.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

For a long time I made my living as a record promoter working for the major labels, and talking with radio stations and some retail. This job was primarily as a broker/salesmen. Very personality and relationship driven. When tech began to take over, I knew I had to learn as much as I could in order to stay relevant and continue to prosper in a business that was dramatically evolving. Also, the verticals such as music licensing and social media started to take center stage. All of this was a learning curve for me, and I needed to take a giant step back to learn the intricacies before I could then begin to work effectively. It was a very difficult journey for me, but I persevered and was able to succeed.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal or mission for me has always been the same, whether it is in music marketing or in martial arts teaching. It is one of inspiring others to reach their personal potential and sharing with them the necessary tools. With managing or developing artists, there is always a strong educational component, especially with the younger artists. The more knowledge they have, the higher the chance of success. As they say, knowledge is power. This is the same in martial arts. As the student progresses with knowledge the growth begets growth, and hopefully they become lifelong karate-ka and continue to see the positive benefits in their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.indieadvance.com
• Instagram: @world_budo_arts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.callahan.378
• Linkedin: https://lnkd.in/gEBaub7w?
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shihantomcallahan?si=3oxJ8OMt2Un-iDRf